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Version 1.3, 25 November 2019 COUNTRY PROFILE: SAUDI ARABIA Saudi Arabia faces critical corruption risk across its defence institutions, with almost no transparency or oversight in operations, finances and procurement. However, it does score well on sanctions for corrupt behaviour, and has some controls over private sector linkages to military and defence. Middle East & North Africa: Regional Issues in Defence Integrity Defence sectors across the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region continue to face a high risk of corruption. At the same time, protracted armed conflicts in Syria, Libya, and Yemen persist, while public protests against corruption and authoritarianism continue in a number of countries – reflecting an overall context of insecurity and fragility. Although some governments have publically committed to stepping up anti-corruption efforts, there remains a gap between existing legislation and implementation in practice. Military institutions in the region are characterised by a high degree of defence exceptionalism, resulting in a lack of transparency that precludes oversight actors from effectively scrutinising defence budgets and policies at a time when defence spending and arms imports continue to surge. These concerns are further compounded by authoritarian governance systems seen in many MENA countries. Resurgent protests and uprisings in the region after the 2011 Arab Spring demonstrate that corruption is a central and persistent public grievance. Continuing to treat the defence sector as an exception and failing to meet public expectations of transparency and accountability could further fuel public distrust, result in a loss of legitimacy for defence institutions, and facilitate the recruitment efforts of non-state armed groups. It is therefore crucial that governments in the region disclose more information about defence spending and strategy, make decisions that serve the public interest, and rectify loopholes that allow for corruption to thrive, in turn bolstering national security and stability. EGYPT ALGERIA MOROCCO SAUDI ARABIA OMAN TUNISIA LEBANON PALESTINE JORDAN KUWAIT QATAR UAE A Very Low Risk B Low Risk C Moderate Risk D High Risk E Very High Risk F Critical Risk OECD fragile state No Defence Budget as % of GDP* 8.8% Significant defence exporter* No Total armed forces personnel# 252,000 Significant defence importer* Yes UN Convention Against Corruption Ratified in 2013 Volume of arms trade 2015-2018 (US$ mil)* 3, Rank: 57 out of 65 Arms Trade Treaty Not signed Defence Budget (US$ mil)* 67555 *SIPRI, #World Bank Overall Score: F (11) Regional Average: E (17) Middle East & North Africa UAE 10 19 Middle East & North Africa UAE 27 19 Middle East & North Africa UAE 38 30 Middle East & North Africa UAE 15 6 Middle East & North Africa UAE 6 13 Political Risk Financial Risk Personnel Risk Operational Risk Procurement Risk
